FCC part 15

There are RF modules that can be used in your product that do not require your product to be certified. The model itself is though and cannot be modified in any way. There was a case a while back where some company was producing and selling non-certified RF modules as certified.

The main point here is that any RF module that is certified cannot be modified in such a way to change it's RF properties without breaking the certification. So even changing a resistor could have drastic effects on an RF module.

One day, hopefully, we'll have a completely integrated IC that cannot be modified and therefor does not need certification to use(it has to be certified though). Of course then expect the FCC to change the rules...

tion, ISM 900 or 2.4 ghz included correct?

make mention of it -- some say "FCC certified" some don't?

le Hoperf boards to Xbee pro's -- all ISM and anywhere from 5 bucks to 100 = bucks.

n a product and I simply keep the antenna at whatever the data sheet specif= ies and give it voltage, then I'm good to go?

INTO another device then THAT device is suject to certification?

e, your just supplying DC, giving it data and an antenna.

wireless as an option for the user by simply adding on a box with a friggi= n' Xbeepro 2.4ghz transceiver in it.

e?

, (has to be put on paper?) and then do I apply to the FCC?

to do it.

It's not that difficult to understand, really.

AS TO LICENSING:

If your device is an "intentional radiator" (and it probably is), you the check to see if it can qualify for Part-15 low power rules. Part-15 is based on field strength measurements, not transmitter output power.

Assuming your widget is too powerful for unlicensed operation, you must then turn to the FCC Rules to see if it's covered "by rule". For example, CB Radios are too powerful for Part-15, but they are covered in FCC Part 95, and those rules say you don't have to have an individual license. There are similar carve-outs for ISM band devices, and perhaps some other radio services.

If it's too powerful for Part-15, and it's not covered "by rule", then you'll need a station license.

AS TO DEVICE CERTIFICATION: Depending on which rules cover your device, you may need to certify it. This process is explained in great detail in FCC Rules Part-2. Here's the link:

Section 2.1202 speaks to modules that already have approvals.

Another good option is to contact a local TCB (Telecommunications Certification Body). Here's a list of TCB's:

These companies are in the business of testing and certifying devices for submission of test reports to the FCC. They are required to be knowledgable of the FCC Rules for the devices they certify. I'm sure they can quote you a job, and in the process, you'll know what rules you must conform to.

If all else fails, call someone at FCC OET and ask. I can give you names if you truly get stuck, but all my contacts are Deputy Chief level and higher. Probably not the right folks for a question like yours....

Good luck.

BTW: If you're just adding an XBee module to your widget, you can probably just self-certify. Make sure your underlying product can also self-certify, however. Or, just have a TCB do it for you and file it anyway, even if you could qualify for self-certify -- if it's not too expensive to do.

Thanks so much -- it seems clear to me, my widget is just a simple burglar alarm system, presently with an RS485 wired link.

Put an FCC certified module in a box, give it voltage and that should be it.

I'm just going to go ahead and do it -- my sales volume is very low anyway.

r alarm system, presently with an RS485 wired link.

it.

y.

Possibly OK, but you still must wonder, would your device have conformed in the first place, even without the wireless widgets? Might be worth looking into.

-- Joe